The outbreak is so severe, the concerned are doing whatever they can to avoid getting sick. Hand sanitizer remains a common sight at sweet Holy Spirit Baptist Church on the city's South Side.

"What we try to do from prevention method is try to wash our hands quite a bit and use a lot of the hand sanitizers that we have available here on the premises," said church goer Tony Goodwin.

According to the Illinois Department of Health, so far this year there have been 368 flu-related intensive care unit hospitalizations, with 27 flu-related ICU deaths.

A majority of the hospitalizations and deaths are of people in their 50s and older.

Pharmacy chains also saw an increase in business because of those looking for the flu vaccine.

Meanwhile, Dr. Grano and the emergency room remain ready for the next wave of sufferers as she reiterates how important it is for children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems to be protected against the flu.

"I strongly recommend the flu shot even though the flu season has hit. It will still be of benefit," she said.

Health officials say it's not too late to get a flu shot since the flu season typically runs through March and sometimes later.